3rd World Social Forum on Migrations

In preparation for the 3rd World Social Forum on Migrations which will take place in September 2008, the International Committee (IC) of the World Social Forum on Migrations will be having a meeting on May 8-9 in Rivas Vaciamadrid, Madrid Spain. This meeting is organized by the Spanish Commission for Refugees (CEAR). MFA has been invited to be a member of the IC for the first time this year and we look forward to WSFM being a space to strengthen the discourse, analysis and critique around migration issues through experiences or insights around the region.

The World Social Forum on Migrations (WSFM) is a thematic forum located within the framework of the World Social Forums. It sets forth an alternative to neo-liberal policies seeking the consolidation of an alternative globalization that respects Universal Human Rights.

Under the direction of the International Committee, this meeting is conceived as a place for civil society, associations and social movements on a global scale to meet in order to contribute to the construction of a common political memorandum that generates debate, and makes proposals regarding migrations, development, and human rights, in the context of globalization.

The objectives of the 3rd WSFM are:

* To strengthen the global character of the WSFM, encouraging the participation of organisations and organised groups in those places that are important destinations for migration and/or the participation of refugees and displaced persons.* To boost the presence and active participation of immigrants and immigrant associations and bodies.* To promote the creation and/or strengthening of different immigrant and refugee associations and the consolidation of social movements.* To provide a forum for the articulation of networks, establishing the necessary framework for meetings, exchange and analysis to take place.* To search for a means of achieving a political impact through the establishment of working groups designed to coordinate strategies and produce declarations on key issues

Should you have any ideas or issues that you think I need to bring up in the meeting, kindly let me know in advance.